New Orleans musicians will now have another steady gig to look forward to: the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (call letters “MSY”) will begin presenting consistent performances by local musicians and bands at the airport in four different locations.
In the past, live music was a sometime thing at the airport and was hired to meet a group arriving at the airport, or for a special event. But there’s never been a place for people at the airport to listen to live music in a regular basis.
Readers of “Mojo Mouth” over the years will recall that OffBeat advocated for this years ago, as live music is a big part of the airport’s ambience at airports like Austin’s Bergstrom, which has a permanent stage that showcases local talent regularly.
Music stage at the Austin Bergstrom Airport. (Photo: Sandy L. Stevens, courtesy of City of Austin Aviation)
Nancy Coplin, whose company, Public Space Music, worked with the Austin airport in developing their music program, was a moving force in creating the program at MSY. Terry Mahlum, Regional Vice President of Operations at Delaware North Companies—that manages the operations of concessions at MSY—said “What better place to put live music than in the airport in New Orleans, a city known for its live music?” Mahlum had also worked with Coplin in Austin, and told OffBeat that Delaware North has partnered with a local firm, Chase Catering and Concessions, headed by Edgar Chase IV, grandson of Dooky and Leah Chase, Sr. (of the famous Dooky Chase restaurant) to help support the program financially.
Delaware North and Chase are providing the capital to purchase backline, sound equipment and will also pay the bands who play at MSY.
“We’re going to have four locations that will have music,” said Mahlum, “and we hope to expose the traveling public and people who are dropping off passengers at the airport to local music regularly.” Locations of the music performances are currently set for Zatarains (Concourse B); the Atrium Bar and the pre-security area (Concourse C); and at Ye Olde College Inn (Concourse D).
The first regular music will kick off on Monday, June 30 with a performance by Big Joe Kennedy from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Zatarains location, and continue through the month of July from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Performers include percussionist Mayumi Shara and her band at the main stage (pre-security, Concourse C, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m); pianist Big Joe Kennedy (Zatarains, Concourse *, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.); vocalist Dana Abbott and her band at the Atrium Bar (12 p.m. to 2 p.m.); and singer/songwriter Ryan Gregory Floyd (Ye Olde College Inn, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.), with more performers to be announced.
Booking for the MSY series is being handled at this point by the Tipitina’s Foundation in a partnership with the airport. Nathan Wendte ([email protected]) of Tip’s Foundation is the contact point for booking. “We’re just starting out,” said Edgar Chase IV, “and we’d welcome input and contact from any musicians or bands who are interested in playing at the airport. (Bands and musicians are encouraged to contact Wendte directly). We’re thrilled that we have been able to finally make this happen,” he said. “We’re beginning with about 10 performances every week, but hope to expand it as the program grows.” Sound equipment will be provided by the local Guitar Center.
